The five-pointed crown displayed on a watch dial is a world-renowned symbol. Around the globe, the Rolex logo marks first-class timepieces and is an unquestionable indicator of a reliable sense of style. Rolex was founded in 1905 and stands for uncompromising quality. The company can proudly look back on a history of influential milestones in the world of watches.
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Since 1948, Omega has been creating watches with a claim to perfection. As the official partner of the Olympic Games and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Omega is the brand of choice for record athletes and astronauts. Even secret agent, James Bond, prefers to sport these classy timepieces. Whether on Earth or on the moon – The diverse collection offered by Omega provides the perfect watch for any mission.
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The winged B logo has always served as a symbol for first-class quality. Generations of pilots have been relying on robust Breitling watches. In water or on land - Breitling is the first choice for admirers of chronometric precision. Founded in 1884, the independent company is one of the most successful brands in the history of the Swiss watch industry.
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With inventiveness and innovation, the International Watch Company has made a name for itself in the Swiss luxury watch industry. Since the establishment of the company in 1868, IWC watches impress with impeccable technology and extraordinary design. For nearly 150 years, IWC has manufactured timepieces that are widely popular in military, aviation, and sports. Admirers of high-quality watches cannot resist the rich tradition and bold innovation that IWC timepieces are universally known for.
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TAG Heuer has distinguished itself as a manufacturer of high-quality timepieces for over 150 years. Intertwined in the world of sports, TAG Heuer has invented iconic instruments for the short-term measurement of time. Furthermore, the brand can boast legendary watch models such as the Carrera or the Monaco – both of which delight watch lovers around the world with a fascinating history and celebrated style.
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Watchmaking from Glashütte: Nomos has combined artisan tradition with modern and bold watch designs for over 25 years. Paradoxically, the timepieces stand out thanks to their minimalist design. Modern and timeless, Nomos watches are universal and elegant mechanisms that can be worn during the everyday.
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The art of fusion: Hublot successfully brings together the art and tradition of horology and innovation. Since 1980, the Swiss company has been manufacturing watches of the highest quality, which stand out due to their extravagant design and exquisite choice in materials. Hublot is highly aware of client needs and therefore continually surpasses expectations with exclusive and luxurious watches.
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Timekeeping as an Art: unlike any other manufacturer, Patek Philippe embodies the continuous and unrestrained quest for watchmaking perfection. The classic timepieces are widely-known for their continual rise in value and are sold at auctions for record-breaking prices. Royals, influentials, and watch enthusiasts gladly choose Patek Philippe to celebrate life and the important milestones that come along with it.
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Audemars Piguet holds a special position in the Swiss watchmaking industry. Independent of large corporations, the company has been producing exquisite watches and movements since 1875. The Audemars Piguet 1972 sports model changed the world of luxury watches and presented one of the most famous watch designs of the century. Today, the Royal Oak is considered to be the flagship model of the Audemars Piguet.
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Longines is a company with a great history. Founded in 1832, the manufacturer has continued to charm watch enthusiasts from all over the world. The current Longines collection reflects the spirit of the company vividly. In addition to modern classics with a sporty flair, Longines also presents timepieces that are committed to a timeless and classic feel.
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They are the jewelers of kings and the king of jewelers – the traditional Parisian company does not only pride itself on its ornate jewelry creations, but on its prestigious watch models as well. Santos, Tank, Ballon Bleu – the diverse collection of watches from Cartier enjoy a distinctive status when it comes to the Universe of watches. Cartier's recipe for success is derived from a first-class quality rating, legendary designs, and a unique history.
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A. Lange & Söhne is a name that embodies superlative timepieces. The exquisite instruments that behold the A. Lange & Söhne name derive from precision, passion, and hard work. The company impressively stays true to traditional watchmaking without the help of large advertising campaigns or marketing activities.
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As an official supplier to the Italian Navy, the watch manufacturer Officine Panerai enjoys a fascinating history. The most famous models from the house are the Radiomir and the Luminor, which, for an extended period of time, belonged among the standard equipment of the Italian frogmen. Since the 1990s, the watches from Panerai have been made available to the market and delight with their striking aesthetics.
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Made in Germany: Sinn Spezialuhren GmbH headquarters resides in Frankfurt am Main. The pilot and flight instructor Helmut Sinn founded the company in 1961. Sinn particularly focuses on the durability and technical excellence of its watches. In addition to everyday wristwatches, Sinn also manufactures specialty watches for professional use.
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Founded in 1904 in Hölstein, Switzerland, the watch company Oris, as one of the few independent private manufacturers, manufactures precise quality watches that enjoy great worldwide recognition. The rotor in striking red color visible through the glass bottom and the designation High Mech are characteristic trademarks of Oris.
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Jaeger-LeCoultre can look back on a long and fascinating history. The watchmaking company has truly earned the title of Manufactory as it has produced several hundreds of movements since its foundation in 1833. With a passion for timekeeping and an unyielding drive for innovation, the company from the Vallée de Joux shines today at the head of the Swiss watchmaking industry.
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Categories

Tourbillon Watches

A marvel of mechanics

The word to describe what is inarguably the most revered complication in the world of watches is borrowed from the French language – “Tourbillon” meaning “whirlwind”, as the name describes, is a component that turns 360 degrees within a watch. To be precise, the escapement, which is found in all mechanical watches, is modified to make a full rotation every minute in order to counter the gravitational force that is exerted on it. This is to improve the overall accuracy of the watch and because of their mesmerising mechanics and the sheer skill that goes into creating this masterpiece, tourbillons are held in very high regard amongst watch enthusiasts.

A whirlwind on the wrist – a closer look at the tourbillon and its functions

The tourbillon was invented in 1795 by Abraham-Louis Breguet, the legendary watchmaking visionary. The patent was granted to Breguet in 1801 in Paris. The complications prime function was to compensate for inaccuracies caused by changes in a pocket watch’s position relative to the gravitational force that was exerted on the watch.

The Breguet Tourbillon’s escapement is placed within a carriage that makes a full revolution in regular intervals around the centre seconds pinion. Due to that rotation, the gravitational force is exerted in equal parts at each point of the escapement, in essence negating the effect of gravity on the critical points of the movement by taking it out of the equation, thus correcting for gravitational error.

Unlike a pocket watch, wristwatches are usually in frequent motion throughout the day, thus achieving the same effect a tourbillon would on a static timepiece. Nonetheless, the ability to create tourbillon is equatable to a badge of honour in horology, as it is at the pinnacle of fine watchmaking. Its purpose may be primarily aesthetical, but it is a spectacular addition to a watch that is held in high regard for good reason.

Variants and innovations

The Tourbillon

Throughout history, several different variants of the tourbillon have been created. From the Tourbillon to the Gyrotourbillon, let us have a look at the different creations the great masters of horology have invented.

Carrousel Tourbillon

/The Danish watchmaker Bahne Bonniksen invented what is called a “Carrousel” to achieve the same function as a tourbillon. Unlike the tourbillon though, it is mounted on an additional gear to connect it to the wheel train. The balance spring and balance wheel remains centred within the carriage as it rotates. This alternative to the tourbillon is reminiscent of a carrousel, but it is heavier than the tourbillon. It rotates hypnotically to make a full revolution at regular intervals.

Flying Tourbillon

/In 1920, the watchmaker master Alfred Helwig invented the flying tourbillon. In this exciting development of the Breguet tourbillon, the bridge that holds the cage is dispensed with and the tourbillon is only held from the bottom-side, allowing a clear view of the mechanics of the tourbillon.

Gyrotourbillon

/The Gyrotourbillon created by the Swiss watchmaker Jaeger-LeCoultre is also a development of the classic tourbillon. The basic tourbillon is capable of counteracting the effect of gravity on the watch when in static positions, yet not when in frequent motion, say as whilst jogging. The Gyrotourbillon, on the other hand, has a complex mechanism which continuously rotates the escapement around three axes. The improvement in accuracy is rather secondary though, more so is the technical achievement and the visual delight the tourbillon provides which motivates watchmakers to create what is essentially a piece of art, and that is exactly what Jaeger LeCoultre’s marvellous Gyrotourbillon is.

Double Tourbillon and double-axis tourbillon

/The Double Tourbillon was introduced in 2004 by the watchmaker Greubel Forsey, called the "Double Tourbillon 30". It showcases a smaller tourbillon within a larger carriage which itself rotates. This is done to further improve the accuracy of the watch. In 2003, the German watchmaker Thomas Prescher developed the Mysterious Automatic Double Axis Tourbillon. As the tourbillon turns around two axes, the precision of the pocket or wristwatch is meant to be improved. In 2004, Thomas Prescher further pushed the envelope when he created the Triple Axis Tourbillon.

The Top 10 Tourbillon Watches

Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon

Jaeger-LeCoultre is the quintessential watchmaker’s brand. The magnificent models they produce are powered by exceptionally reliable and beautiful tourbillons manufactured in-house. Truly, the Swiss watchmaker reaches new heights of artistry in watchmaking with their creations. Jaeger-LeCoultre channels decades of experience together with modern technical finesse into these watches, producing models beyond admiration. Dazzling examples of this are their Gyrotourbillon watches, whether the which are sold in very limited numbers.

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon GMT Concept

Audemars Piguet is a high-calibre manufacturer of tourbillon watches. The Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Tourbillon GMT Concept combines a creation of haute horlogerie with a watch of legendary status, the Royal Oak. The remarkable watch is convincingly stylish and sporty. For those looking for something less avant-garde, the Audemars Piguet Jules Audemars Tourbillon is a fine example of a classic tourbillon. The mesmerising revolving escapement at 6 o’clock is the work of the master watchmakers at Audemars Piguet – an impressive feat showcasing their artisanship.

A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calendar

It is not only the Swiss that have mastered the art of the tourbillon. The German watchmaker A. Lange & Söhne, nestled in the quiet town of Glashütte, produces magical machines of beauty. One of these is the Lange 1 Tourbillon Perpetual Calender, which combines two ingenious complications, namely a tourbillon with a perpetual calendar – truly remarkable.

Breguet Classique Grande Complication Tourbillon

Let us not forget the inventor of the tourbillon:Breguet. The watchmaking company, founded in 1775, has produced some of the most spectacular wonders in the world of watches. Amongst these is the Breguet Classique Grande Complication Tourbillon, a masterful creation in the realm of haute horlogerie. The bridge of this model enshrines the tourbillon elegantly, framing and creating a focus on the heart and highlight of this piece.

TAG Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T Tourbillon

The Tag Heuer Carrera Heuer-02T is a true value proposition amongst tourbillon watches. Released by TAG Heuer at Baselworld to amazement and shock, it offers tourbillon model at an unfathomably low price. Not only this, it is a bold, handsome, and a thoroughly impressive model. The cage of the tourbillon is fashioned from titanium and carbon fibre, keeping in with the dark-coloured visage of the whole model. The skeletonised dial allows one to see the tourbillon, as well as the mainspring barrel at 12 o'clock. A limited “Black Panther” edition is almost completely black and there are only 250 of them that were produced by TAG Heuer.

Wilhelm Rieber Tourbillon

Wilhelm Rieber is an independent watchmaker from Pforzheim in Germany. The tourbillon watches he creates are marvels of horology. For instance his flying tourbillon watch is the work of an exalted master. It is a tourbillon model that allows the user to look into the soul of the mechanism and be mesmerised by its fine mechanics.

Blancpain Tourbillon Carrousel

Blancpain has achieved magnificent feats with the creation of their carrousel watches. Indeed, carrousel models are not seen as often as tourbillon watches, and Blancpain creates some of the most astounding. To be sure, they are arguably at the pinnacle of this craft. The watchmaker from Le Brassus has even created their Tourbillon Carrousel model, which combines the two impressive complications in one watch – an exceptional visual delight.

Breitling for Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon

Breitling has also launched several tourbillon watches to add to their impressive range of models. One of these striking tourbillons is the Breitling for Bentley Mulliner Tourbillon. This impressive timepiece marries classic and elegant design with the highest level of watchmaking artisanship.

Girard-Perregaux Tourbillon With Three Bridges

Girard-Perregaux offers grandiose tourbillon models in their “Haute Horlogerie” collection. For the discerning gentleman, the Girard-Perregaux segment offers impressively striking tourbillon watches. The three-bridge design Girard-Perregaux has conceived is as elegant as the tourbillon itself. All the models in their “Haute Horlogerie” collection are a wonder to behold – refined, stunning, and beguiling.

Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditional Tourbillon

The Vacheron Constantin Patrimony Traditional Tourbillon is a magnificent watch. Its grand appearance and impressive mechanics make it a favoured contender amongst the most refined of tourbillon models.

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This is guaranteed through our Certificate which you will receive with the purchase of any watch from CHRONEXT - new or pre-owned.

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Only the best is good enough for our customers. This goes for prices just as well as for service and security. Luxury watches are hardly ever cheap but there are still significant differences in price levels depending on where you shop. Thanks to our vast global network of suppliers and our low fixed costs, we are able to provide competitive prices at all times.

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